NVQ Level 2 Adult Care Assignment Sample

Introduction Of NVQ Level 2 Adult Care Assignment 

1.1 Definition of 'Diabetes'

'Diabetes' is a long-term illness recognized by the body's inability to control the level of sugar or glucose in the bloodstream. It stems from either insufficient levels of insulin in the body or the inadequate use of the insulin that is present. It helps in enabling glucose to enter the cell for energy standards as it is imperative for life. It is divided into the following categories. "Type 1, occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin". "Type 2, occurs when the body cannot effectively use the insulin that is produced" and gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy (Mollah et al. 2024). In this assignment, knowledge about diabetes is important since it enables a care worker to assist an individual to manage the disease.

1.2 Identification of prevalence rates for various types of diabetes

Diabetes is one of the diseases that has continued to affect the human race in the increase all across the globe. Currently, there are four point three million people living with diabetes in the UK, 4 out of which were Type 2, and one in ten had Type 1, the rest had gestational diabetes or other forms. Type 1 is that it affects children and young adults whereas type 2 affects older people and is related with factors such as obesity. Gestational Diabetes is seen in about 5% of pregnant females. To be specific, it is vital for a care worker to recognize such statistics and intervene accordingly providing proper care and tips concerning the client's lifestyles.

1.3 Description of possible key long term complications to the health as having of diabetes

The condition remains a chronic one if not properly managed; the following are some of the long-term complications of diabetes (Khodakarami et al. 2022). This is coronary illness for example, heart attacks and strokes, kidney failures that require dialysis, nerve damages that may lead to pains or loss of feeling in various body parts, and eye illnesses including diabetic retinopathy that may cause blindness. This can result in foot ulcers and in the worst-case scenario, amputation of the affected limbs or limbs which have become no longer useful. As a care worker, I am required to respect the process of medication, following a proper diet, and constant checkups to minimize these dangers and enhance the person's wellbeing.

1.4 Explanation of the term of hyperglycaemia

The condition that arises when blood sugar is high, for instance, above 7.0 mmol/L before eating or 11.0 mmol/L two hours after a meal which is also referred to as elevated blood sugar or diabetes. It may be attributed to a few reasons such as failure to take his medication, stress, illness or excessive intake of carbohydrates. The signs of it are as follows: increased fluid intake and output, weakness and fatigue, and early blindness or muscular numbness and extreme drowsiness leading to coma. These are some of the things that I as a care worker should look out for in the client, ask him/her to check his/her blood sugar levels, administer the medication where applicable and consult the physician if the level persists high which may lead to a situation such as ketoacidosis.

1.5 Explanation of the term of hypoglycaemia

It is a condition in which blood sugar levels are below 4.0 mmol/L. It can be attributed to low food intake, injection or administration of insulin, or vigorous activities. Some of the signs are sweating, shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and in extensive cases, unconsciousness or convulsions. Sometimes a care worker must act fast in such a case, he or she must offer the patient a fast-acting type of sugar, for instance, glucose, or a fruit juice and then food. For this reason, in case the individual becomes unconscious, it is critical that professional medical help is called for quickly. Avoiding hypoglycemia is important in cases of diabetes to explore ways of managing this condition without adverse effects on the patient's life.

1.6 Explanation of the procedure of individual with diabetes

For a patient with diabetes, this means identifying when the case requires a referral to another level of healthcare. This might entail referring to a GP for medication alteration, a dietician for food needs or a diabetes specialist nurse for further care. In some instances, patients may have to be referred to ear, nose and throat specialists, eye specialists, foot specialists or diabetes specialists respectively. Consequently, I make timely referrals and observe signs and reporting symptoms, and make the necessary communications with health care personnel. Emotional support and education on proper care is also important to ensure that one easily handles the disease since it is chronic.

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Section 2: Types of Diabetes and Their Characteristics

2.1 Description of the key features of type 1 diabetes

It is characterized by autoimmunity where the body kills its own cells by producing antibodies that target the beta cells in the pancreas. This results in low or no insulin production, hence this requires a lifetime of insulin shots or insulin pump use. It is more frequent in children and young adults but it can affect any person of any age. The signs of the disease are manifested and are quite expressive, these are increased desire for water, frequent use of the toilet, weight loss and constant fatigue. Therefore, I can be relied upon for insulin administration or if the person to be cared for has diabetes, assist him or her to understand the effects of his or her condition on the blood sugar level, the importance of taking meals in the right portions, and the need to undergo biophysical check-ups.

2.2 Description of key features of type 2 diabetes

'Type 2 diabetes' results from increased insulin resistance or from diabetes mellitus for which the pancreas does not produce insulin as it is required. It is rather observed in the grown up people and those who are obese or not very physically active. Contrary to type 1, it is characterized by symptoms that occur slowly; the symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and also slow wound healing. It entails change of behavior, medication, and rarely the use of insulin. In my work, I carry the responsibility of promoting change by ensuring that the service users take their meals, engage in physical activities, and check their blood glucose levels occasionally to avoid suffering adverse effects of the illness.

2.3a Listing of the common causes of type 1 diabetes

As to the nature of 'Type 1 diabetes', its root has not been established, however, scientists do think that it is a resultant of both genetic and environmental factors. It is a condition where the immunity system starts attacking the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas and therefore there is little or no insulin in the body. Genetic factors can cause the disease to run in the family, and this means that the chances of acquiring the condition will be high if one has a family history (Moradpour et al. 2022). Some viral infections like enteroviral infections may cause the immune system to respond. Others include the early use of cow's milk or low vitamin D levels as instruments or diagnostic predictors. Knowledge of all these causes assists me as a care worker in the management of those diagnosed with 'Type 1 diabetes'.

2.3b Listing of the common causes of type 2 diabetes

This type of diabetes can be attributed to genetics, as well as to the lifestyle of a person. The main risk factor is overweight and obesity, especially if the fat is stored in the abdominal area, impairs insulin sensitivity. They also stress themselves less and engage in little or no physical activities thus leading to the development of the disease. It should also be noted that having Type 2 diabetes in your family increases your chances of getting the disease. The following are some of the causes. The problem also has its root from poor diets that involve taking a lot of processed foods and sugary drinks. Age is also implicated since this is a more evident occurrence in elderly people due to their disposition to high insulin resistance. Also the raised "blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, history of gestational diabetes" increases the risk even further.

2.4 Description of signs and symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are usually slow to develop in type 2 then again may be abrupt in type 1. Some of the symptoms are excessive drinking of water and dryness of the throat, a tendency to urinate a lot, and in type one, they lose weight without any cause. This is where patients usually have feelings of fatigue and weakness because of the low and high sugar levels. That apparently sluggish healing of the wounds and cuts may well be some form of complication related to diabetes. Hyperglycemia causes various complications of which blurred vision is usually a symptom due to high glucose affecting the eyes. The symptoms of nerve damage particularly the sensation of numbness or a tingling feeling in the hands and the feet with Type 2. I had to acknowledge these symptoms and insist on timely treatment as a care worker.

2.5 Outlining of the contributing risk factors which leads to the developing of type 2 diabetes

There are numerous factors that may increase the predisposition to develop Type 2 diabetes and most of them are associated with the lifestyles as well as hereditary issues. The leading risk factor is being overweight or being obese and having excess fat around the abdominal region. Practical ways in which one can avoid the ailment include regular exercise, adopting proper diet and avoiding foods that contain large proportions of fats and sugars. There are also predisposing factors which include a family history of diabetes (McCrimmon, 2021). The factors that have been agreed to include age, as people over forty five years are affected. Some of the secondary factors that can lead to the development of "Type 2 diabetes are high blood pressure, cholesterol level and history of gestational diabetes".

Section 3: Person-Centred Care and Diabetes Management

3.1 Definition of the term of person centred support

Person-centred care is a model of care delivery that involves promoting people's personal choices, values and preference. It means that it is patient- centered and not a disease center hence the health care givers notice individual differences as well as individual characteristics. In that case of diabetes, it entails facilitating the management of the disorder in a way that is accommodative to one's lifestyle and cultural preference. These activities involve educating, encouraging and persuading clients in a care worker position to make their own decisions as regards to their mode of treatment, diet and activities for the day among others. It also results in early independence, personal dignity and psychological well-being hence improving diabetic management and quality of life.

3.2 Explanation of the significance of using individual care planning for individual

Personalized care plan is crucial in diabetes because of the reasons that revolve around the need to exercise the patient by acknowledging his or her needs, desires as well as health goals. This is because diabetes manifests in different ways among different people hence requires a proper medication, diet, and exercise, and lifestyle changes. It also enables the tracking of the performance and the prevention of any foreseeable setbacks. The care worker encourages the people they are supporting and adapts the care plan for this individual by considering the individual's needs, customs, and presents, diet restrictions, working schedule, and level of disability. Personalized care improves compliance with prescriptions, helps to develop self-management abilities, and increases the general wellbeing with regard to patient's preferences and decisions.

3.3 Explanation of the pathway of care for the individual who have newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

It is necessary to understand the steps involved in the care management process of an individual diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as follows. In the first level, a healthcare professional educates the patient with the knowledge of the disorder lifestyle changes and medications. An individualized plan as to what is allowed for eating, what type of physical activity, and if medication is possible (Yuswatiningsih, and Ningsih, 2023). It is therefore important to periodically check the blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Doctors, nurses, dietitians, and care workers also have to support patients with the condition in their management. In this capacity of a care worker I help people, on one hand, to comprehend the diagnosis, on the other execute care plans and make decisions regarding one's health.

3.4 Explanation of self-care skills

Self-care skills are those abilities that define how one takes care of themselves in order to minimize or eliminate the effects of potential diseases. For patients to manage diabetes they need to control their sugar level, adhere to the doctor's prescription, diet, exercise as well as be aware of the signs of high and low sugar (Suryadevara, 2023). It is recommended to maintain personal wellbeing to avoid the worsening of one's situation as well as to enhance their quality of life.

3.5 Explanation of how to work with individual for optimizing self-care skills

The key ingredient when treating and developing self-care skills is to encourage the patient and the caregiver to be involved in the process. This comprises; explaining how to use medication, the right meal intake and frequency, and glucose regulation. The necessary and effective approach is to make gradual changes, which gives confidence (Paurobally et al. 2021). When it comes to the preference and desires of the individual, I listen to them closely, include the care when necessary, and offer information that the individual requires. Follow-ups, motivation and problem solving help a person with diabetes and other cares feel motivated to constantly participate in the management of the condition.

3.6 Explanation of the significance of supporting thee individuals for making decisions

This means that helping people get as much information as they require empowers them to take charge of their health and consequently play an active role in grasping the opportunities that are available together with embracing the consequence of such opportunities that they are taking (Rahmati et al. 2022). Diabetics and their partners must make decisions as to what they are going to eat, take as medicine, and do physically, and change their ways of living. Hence, I make sure to pass useful information that is easy to understand and engage in discussions with healthcare professionals.

Section 4: Nutrition and Blood Glucose Management

4.1 Explanation of principles of balanced diet

A balanced diet is one that involves taking a lot of meals with nutrient components to feed the body adequately. It comprises carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals and other nutrients in the right quantum. It is for this reason that for those who have been diagnosed with the same, issues to do with balance are important in ensuring that one has a constant and reliable source of energy in the body (Evans et al. 2021). This entails taking foods high in carbohydrates but low in fats, taking lean proteins, and using healthy fats but avoiding foods with processed sugars.

4.2 Analyzation of blood glucose level affected by carbohydrates

Carbohydrates affect the blood sugar levels since they are a direct determinant of the sugar transfer in the bloodstream. The sugars, on the other hand, easily raises the blood glucose levels high leading to hyperglycemia affecting the simple carbohydrates which are present in sweet products and refined grains (Rahaman et al. 2021). Some preferred foods like whole grains, beans, and vegetables contain complex carbohydrates that give a steady flow of glucose in the bloodstream. The term GI refers to the ability of comprehensible carbohydrates to cause a rise in blood sugar levels.

4.3 Explanation of the role of the nutritional plan

The issue of living with diabetes is different in each person. Some patients can live rather a normal life, and others may have some problems with taking medications, following a diet, or stress. While type 1 diabetes calls for constant regulation with insulin, type 2 diabetes may be efficiently managed by dieting

Section 5: Psychological and Social Impact of Diabetes

5.1 Description of the reason of individuals experienced with diabetes

The condition also causes anxiety, frustration or restriction of social life in some people. This shows the self-image, mood, and perception that people around us have towards their own selves and to their condition which plays a significant role in how a diabetic will be (Bhutta et al. 2021). Educative family, friends, and colleagues can play a crucial role on how the diabetic person handles the situation. In caring for the people and managing their conditions, I educate people about this disease and change their negative perception towards the disease, and provide comfort to them.

5.2 Explanation of the impact for which attitudes and behaviours of others

All health care for ADHD requires coordination and maintaining the general good health necessitates the following components. This includes intake of a balanced diet, exercising, having a healthy weight, and proper management of blood glucose and other essential medications if any (Zhang et al. 2021). Other factors include lack of stress, and adequate sleep. These habits I explain to the individuals as suggestions that would help them maintain the right attitude and knowledge on how their habits affect their condition being a care worker.

5.3 Explanation of how the individual can manage the diabetes

It is therefore important that people who are suffering from diabetes maintain such factors in check through such measures as; these consist of taking healthy meals, exercising, a correct body weight, satisfactory glycemic control and following the prescribed drugs. I urge the persons I am caring for to do it and it motivates them to adhere to healthy lifestyles and become aware of how their behavior affects their illnesses.

Section 6: Monitoring and Annual Health Reviews

6.1 Explanation of the significance of accurate measurement of blood pressure

This is because diabetic patients suffer from high blood pressure; a condition that tends to reduce blood flow to the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. They argued that routine check of the blood pressure assists one to notice the first signs of the complications and to seek help.

6.2 Identification of normal parameters for blood pressure

The optimal blood pressure value that can be considered as normal for individuals with no health issues is 120/80 mmHg. As a rule, values higher than 140/90 are considered as hypertension whereas values less than 90/60 are indicative of hypotension. Diabetes patients should get their blood pressure to below 130/80 mm Hg to help decrease the risks that are associated with the condition.

6.3 Explanation of the purpose of proper monitoring of blood pressure

Checking the level of glucose in the blood is important in controlling diabetes. It aids in monitoring the blood sugar levels, analyzing the tendencies and making the right lifestyle, nutrient activity and pharmaceutical decisions (Supabphol et al. 2021). The importance of proper monitoring especially against high and low blood sugar levels which can lead to nerve damage, kidney disease and vision complications.

6.4 The range of normal blood glucose

For those who do not have diabetes, fasting blood glucose are at a normal level if they are less than 5.6mmol/L and it should be less than 7.8mmol/L two hours after consuming a meal. For people with diabetes, it can be 4.0–7.0 mmol/L before eating and less than 8.5–9.0 mmol/L after eating. I recommend biometric evaluation and assist persons to manage their blood glucose level by modifying their lifestyles and taking prescribed medications.

6.5 Explanation of the purpose of the proper monitoring of urine

It is used to measure ketones as well as glucose level to identify symptoms of DKA or kidney complications. This means the results in the presence of glucose is an indication of high blood sugar in the body (Alfego et al. 2021). Benzones in urine is another anomaly which can be a signal that the body uses fat as fuel and can lead to certain complications.

6.6 Description of the annual review checking required to screening

Diabetic patients need to have check-ups once a year to identify signs of development of complications. These are hypertension assessment, blood glucose control, lipid profile, renal profile, neurological examination of the lower extremities, and dilated eye examination for signs of DR respectively. I recommend people to attend their annual check-ups and do all the things the doctors tell them to avoid chronic health issues.

Section 7: Diabetes and Related Health Conditions

7.1a Explanation of the links between dementia and diabetes

Dementia is associated with diabetes because the hyperglycemic state characteristic of diabetes affects the blood vessels in the brain and hinders the proper functioning of the extremity (Mathenge et al. 2022). Insulin dysfunction may also be part of the Alzheimer disease category referred to as Type 3 diabetes. Current medicine also shows that diabetic people or people with impaired glucose tolerance have cognitive impairments that affect memory and brain functions.

7.1b Explanation of the links between depression and diabetes

Diabetes in turn affects the general well-being and health of the patient given that managing the condition, variability in blood glucose and average concentrations, and complications of the disease, cause stress that can lead to depression. Of note, depression also acts as a barrier for effective management of diabetes through demotivating the patient on proper care. Diabetes and depression are related in a reciprocal manner; the two conditions aggravate each other. I reassure, seek to get people to seek help, and offer ideas such as exercise and socializing for the benefit of the human mind.

7.1c Explanation of links between pregnancy and diabetes

Gestational diabetes has the potential to cause various complications for both the mother and her baby, such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth, as well as the newborn's high birth weight (Chatwin et al. 2021). Diabetic women should adjust the blood sugar levels as those with gestational diabetes may cause congenital disabilities and complications to the child. If diabetes walking is not controlled well, it may lead to development of type 2 diabetes when one grows old.

Reference List

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